Newcomer Michael Ray on Growing Success, Dating Fans and Using Tinder

When you're new to the country music game, the world is your oyster — and so is your constantly growing fanbase. Michael Ray stopped by Taste of Country Nights to chat about the new fans he's making and meeting.

Ray's first single on Warner is "Kiss You in the Morning," and in addition to great airplay, the song is bringing him a lot of new opportunities. The singer is now traveling to play the new song for new ears, which means making new fans. Ray is so thankful for people that are willing to give him a listen that he so he makes sure to take time to meet and greet them at shows.

“I take pictures. I sign after every show — I try to — and meeting them means more to me than I think that they know," Ray reveals to us.

But mingling with new fans doesn't mean he's thinking romantic relationships — not that he's opposed to the idea. “There’s no rules against it. I guess if the love bug hits …" the newcomer says, trailing off.

And you won't find him on Tinder, either.

“I’ve never, ever, ever been on Tinder," Ray declares, setting the record straight. "If anybody sees a picture of me on Tinder, it’s wrong. It’s not me.”

Sorry, ladies. That means you should swipe left on that Michael Ray impersonator. "Kiss You in the Morning" is No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart this week, up from No. 22 last week. Listen for it on Taste of Country Nights every weeknight.

Sam Alex is the host of Taste of Country Nights radio, a syndicated night show which airs on more than 60 Townsquare Media Group stations nationwide.

Top 40 Songs for July 2015

See the 10 Biggest Stories of 2015